Brave Michael finally wins fight to use drug

Herald Reporter

A nine-year-old boy with muscle-wasting Duchenne muscular dystrophy has won his fight to have a breakthrough drug made available in Scotland.

After a long campaign, backed by charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, which saw Larbert’s Michael Young collect over 100,000 signatures on a petition and deliver a hand-written letter to parliament, the youngster was thrilled to receive a letter in return from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirming he will now be able to receive Translarna.

Families were devastated in April when the drug was rejected by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).

It’s the first drug of its kind to treat an underlying cause of Michael’s condition and thanks to his campaign and the First Minister’s intervention, he and five other boys in the country will now have access to the drug.

Mum Michelle Young said: “To have our lovely quiet boy rewarded for his brave and tireless campaigning was just amazing. Knowing we no longer have to worry about Michael receiving his medication is a tremendous relief.

“Any extra time Michael spends on his feet is just invaluable. We are profoundly thankful for the time Nicola Sturgeon spent with us.

“To receive this letter from her was just a wonderful surprise and a much needed lifeline.

“It’s so special knowing Michael will be given the medicine and can just get on with enjoying his childhood again.”